Sunderland fans invited to be part of 'biggest ever team photo' at half-term event

Black Cats fans can put themselves in the picture at a Stadium of Light event this half term week.

Supporters going along to the FanFest at the ground on Monday, October 23, will get the chance to take part in Sunderland AFC’s biggest ever team photo.

Sunderland supporters at the club's recent game against Preston North End.

FanFest will give fans the chance to watch Simon Grayson's first team train, as well as take part in activities in and around the stadium.

Titled “Wearside by Side”, the photo will be displayed in the first team entrance at the Academy of Light, as well as available to fans on October 24 in the Echo as a keepsake pull out and on SAFC social media for fans to tag themselves in.

It will be taken at the end of the first team training session and will feature fans, the first team, their support staff and over 100 members of the Sunderland AFC Academy.

The club is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in Wearside by Side, and is asking fans to show their support for the club by coming along wearing their red and white SAFC shirts, hats and scarves.

Sunderland AFC chief executive Martin Bain.

SAFC chief executive Martin Bain said: “Sunderland AFC has a rich history of community spirit and the Wearside by Side photo is a fantastic way to capture that.

"The photo will be put on display in the players entrance to the Academy of Light, so that players and support staff at all levels of the club will have a daily visual reminder that SAFC is not just 11 players on a pitch but a much bigger and broader family, and an integral part of the community.”

FanFest is free to attend but supporters are asked to register their interest, and can find out more information via www.safc.com/fanfest.

As well as FanFest, tours of the stadium will take place every day during the half term week, with children under 16 going free with every paying adult.

The week concludes with the Junior Black Cat Halloween Party on Sunday, October 29, from 11am and 2pm at the Stadium of Light.

Ticket purchasers will be treated to fun, games and music, as well as appearances from first team players and Sunderland AFC mascots, Samson and Delilah.

As it’s Halloween, children and adults are encouraged to come along in fancy dress with a prize for the best dressed.

Tickets for the Junior Black Cat Halloween party are £10 per person and include a food voucher.

To book, call the club's Ticket Office on 0371 911 1973.

Further information on all half term activities is available at www.safc.com/fanfest.